Day Trips from Boston

Ready to unplug from the daily routine and take a day trip from the city? Well, you are in the right place! Day trips from Boston open the door to charming towns, scenic coastlines, and historic landmarks, all just a short drive or train ride from the city. With its central location in New England, Boston makes the perfect starting point for quick getaways that feel like a refreshing change of pace.

I’ve wandered through cobblestone streets rich with history, relaxed by the ocean in picturesque seaside villages, and explored trails that showcase New England’s natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a romantic escape, or a solo adventure, there are countless destinations near Boston worth visiting. Here are the ones I recommend from my recent four week road trip, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.

1. Cape Cod National Seashore - 1 hour 45 minutes by car from Boston

One of my favorite day trips from Boston had to be the this lovely natural place, just about 90 miles away, making it the perfect weekend escape or even a joyful one-day adventure.

I loved the feeling of driving across the bridges onto Cape Cod, where the landscape shifts into something so vibrant and magical that it feels like stepping into a dream.

Exploring the Cape Cod National Seashore gave me some of the most amazing coastal experiences, with endless sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and cool walking trails that felt like hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

My absolute favorite spot was Race Point Beach in Provincetown, where the views were spectacular and the sunsets felt completely unforgettable.

I found it awesome that the Seashore is family-friendly, yet also perfect for a romantic getaway—it’s one of those unusual places that manages to be both exciting and peaceful at the same time.

We had the best time visiting the historic lighthouses that dot the coastline, each one offering a unique glimpse into Cape Cod’s maritime history.

I thought the Wellfleet area was particularly cool, with its charming vibe, affordable seafood shacks, and miles of shoreline that felt wonderfully underrated compared to other famous New England beaches.

• Location: Map & Directions

What I loved best:

Walking along the trails, and discovering some of the most interesting dune landscapes I’ve ever seen, plus the views from the cliffs were absolutely spectacular.

2. Explore the beaches and historical attractions in Plymouth, MA (50 minutes)

This is one of the coolest and most historic day trips from Boston, sitting just about 40 miles south of the city, which makes it both affordable and super convenient for a weekend getaway or even a spontaneous afternoon adventure.

I loved walking along the vibrant waterfront, where I found seafood shacks, interesting little shops, and boats bobbing in the harbor—it felt like such a joyful and underrated gem.

Seeing Plymouth Rock was one of those unusual but iconic experiences—it might be smaller than you expect, but standing there reminded me I was visiting the place often called “America’s Hometown.”

We had the best time exploring Plimoth Patuxet Museums, where costumed interpreters made the 17th-century English village and the Wampanoag Homesite come to life in such a unique and exciting way.

I thought the Mayflower II replica was one of the absolute best parts of my trip, offering a chance to step aboard a historic ship and imagine the incredible journey the Pilgrims made across the Atlantic.

What made this getaway especially cool was how family-friendly it felt, while still being a romantic and meaningful escape for couples interested in history and culture.

• Location: Map & Directions

What I loved best:

My favorite hidden gem was Brewster Gardens, a quiet green space near downtown where I could relax, see in my photos the flowers in bloom, and just soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

3. Stonington Borough - 2 hours from Boston

This destination turned out to be one of the most amazing hidden gems I’ve found for a quick getaway from Boston, sitting about two hours south near the Rhode Island border.

I loved the charming, narrow streets lined with historic 18th- and 19th-century homes that gave the town such a romantic and unique atmosphere—it felt like stepping back in time in the best way.

Walking along the waterfront was an absolute dream, with sailboats drifting in the harbor and the most spectacular views of Fishers Island Sound that I couldn’t resist capturing in my photos.

We had the coolest experience exploring the Old Lighthouse Museum, where the panoramic view from the top was easily one of my favorite highlights of the trip.

I found the local shops and cafés so vibrant and joyful, and it was awesome that everything was within walking distance, making the Borough feel like an intimate, walkable village.

The beaches nearby were small but so peaceful, which made them an underrated spot for relaxation compared to larger, busier New England destinations.

• Location: Map & Directions

What I loved best:

I thought the Stonington Farmers Market was one of the best surprises—an exciting place filled with fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts that added so much character to my visit.

4. Portsmouth - 1 hour from Boston

This place was one of the absolute best day trips from Boston, just about an hour north, and it’s the kind of place that always leaves me feeling joyful and inspired.

I loved wandering through the historic downtown, where brick-lined streets, colorful boutiques, and vibrant cafés created such a cool and lively atmosphere.

We had the best time exploring the Strawbery Banke Museum, an underrated gem that brought four centuries of history to life with costumed interpreters and beautifully preserved homes.

One of my favorite hidden spots was Prescott Park, a gorgeous waterfront park filled with flowers, fountains, and spectacular river views that felt both romantic and family-friendly.

I thought the food scene was amazing—whether it was fresh lobster rolls by the water or a cozy coffee shop tucked into a historic building, every meal felt like a special experience.

Walking along the harbor, I found the views of tugboats and sailboats so cool and unusual—it was the kind of scene that felt like it belonged in my photos forever.

• Location: Map & Directions

What I loved best:

Discovering the Portsmouth Brewery, which was such a fun and vibrant place to end the day with craft beers and local bites.

5. The Butterfly Place in Westford, MA (45 minutes from Boston)

This is one of the most delightful, unique little escapes I’ve discovered—it’s about 40 miles north of Boston and makes for a magical and affordable day trip.

I loved stepping into this indoor tropical sanctuary, where up to 500 butterflies from around the world flutter freely among winding pathways and lush blooms—it felt like walking into my favorite dreamscape.

It’s such a peaceful and joyful spot—visitors often pause on benches to watch butterflies sip nectar, bask in sunshine, or even land gently on their shoulders—a brilliant idea for both nature lovers and anyone seeking a moment of calm.

Kids and adults alike rave about the educational exhibits—the “show and tell bench,” the displays showcasing eggs, caterpillars, cocoons, and chrysalides, and the 15-minute video teaching the butterfly life cycle—making it an amazing, interactive learning experience.

One of my favorite underrated details: it's home not just to butterflies but also koi ponds, frisky finches, and adorable quail birds—all adding to the vibrant, unexpected charm of the experience.

We found the admission allows you to come and go throughout the day so you can linger, explore nearby cafés, or simply let the little ones wander at their own pace.

• Location: Map & Directions

What I loved best:

The outdoor picnic area where we had an amazing family picnic surrounded by natural beauty!

6. Kennebunkport (1.5 hours)

This is one of my favorite coastal getaways from Boston, sitting about 90 minutes north, and it always feels like the most joyful escape from the city.

I loved strolling through Dock Square, where vibrant boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafés created such an exciting, small-town charm that completely won me over.

We had the best time walking along the harbor, where sailboats drifted past and the views were absolutely spectacular—it felt like pure New England magic.

My favorite hidden gem was Gooch’s Beach, a long stretch of sand perfect for a a family day by the water or a romantic sunset walk that felt both peaceful and underrated.

I thought the local seafood was amazing—lobster rolls, clam chowder, and fresh oysters made every meal an unforgettable experience, especially when enjoyed by the water.

One of the coolest things we did was drive along Ocean Avenue, where we spotted grand seaside estates, including the famous Bush family compound, which made the trip even more interesting.

• Location: Map & Directions

7. Rockport, MA (50 minutes)

Here is one of the absolute best seaside day trips from Boston—just about an hour north on Cape Ann—and it always feels like stepping into a joyful coastal painting.

I loved wandering along Bearskin Neck, where vibrant shops, quirky art galleries, and cozy seafood shacks created such a lively and exciting atmosphere that felt like a dream.

Seeing Motif No. 1, the iconic red fishing shack, was one of my favorite highlights—it’s one of the most photographed spots in New England, and for good reason, the view is spectacular.

We had the coolest experience walking the rocky shoreline at Halibut Point State Park, where the ocean stretched endlessly and the scenery felt both unusual and completely magical.

My favorite hidden gem was Front Beach, a small and underrated stretch of sand perfect for a peaceful swim or a romantic sunset picnic.

I thought the local art scene was amazing—every corner seemed to reveal a unique studio or gallery, and it gave the town such a vibrant creative energy.

• Location: Map & Directions

What I loved best:

Local he seafood was exceptional ...lobster rolls, fried clams, and chowder tasted even better with ocean views, making it one of the coolest foodie getaways near Boston.

8. Fuller Gardens, North Hampton, New Hampshire

This was one of the most beautiful and underrated hidden gems I’ve discovered for a day trip from Boston, sitting just about an hour north along the scenic seacoast.

I loved walking through the formal rose gardens, where thousands of vibrant blooms created a magical and joyful atmosphere that felt like stepping into a living painting.

We had the best time exploring the Japanese Garden, a peaceful oasis with koi ponds, stone lanterns, and winding paths that added such a unique and calming experience to the visit.

My favorite part was the Conservatory, filled with exotic plants and flowers that made the whole place feel even more unusual and enchanting.

I thought the garden’s layout was spectacular—neatly manicured paths, bursts of color at every turn, and ocean breezes drifting in from nearby made it one of the coolest outdoor experiences near the coast.

One of the absolute best surprises was how affordable the entry was, considering how exceptional and well-maintained the grounds are—it felt like a brilliant idea for both families and romantic getaways.

• Location: Map & Directions

What I loved best:

Quiet corners where I could just sit, relax, and soak in the peaceful surroundings, which made it a dream escape from the busyness of the city.

9. New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Boylston, MA

This garden was one of my absolute favorite places to escape into nature—it’s about an hour west of Boston, making it the perfect weekend getaway or even a spontaneous day trip.

I loved wandering the formal gardens, where vibrant flowers, sculpted landscapes, and peaceful water features created the most joyful and magical atmosphere.

We had the best time exploring the conservatories, filled with unusual tropical plants and unique displays that felt like hidden gems tucked away in central Massachusetts.

My favorite spot was the Secret Garden, which felt both romantic and underrated, with its ivy-covered walls and quiet charm that made it a dreamlike retreat.

I thought the walking trails were spectacular, especially those that opened up to panoramic views of Wachusett Reservoir and the surrounding countryside—it was one of the coolest surprises of the visit.

• Location: Map & Directions

What I loved best:

Orangerie and Limonaia with an exceptional collection of citrus and exotic plants that made me feel like I’d stepped into a different world.

Conclusion

For me, exploring these New England destinations has been the absolute best way to enjoy quick getaways from Boston. Each place feels like its own hidden gem, filled with unique charm, vibrant scenery, and unforgettable experiences.

What I love most is how affordable, exciting, and magical these day trips can be, whether you’re looking for a family adventure, a romantic escape, or simply a peaceful change of pace.

New England is full of underrated treasures, and every visit leaves me with new favorite memories and a strong desire to return.

Hi, I'm Ema. I'm the face behind VacationIdea.com. My husband, son are frequent travelers and spent 5 years on the road discovering some of the best places to visit in the USA. We base ourselves in a new place every 4 weeks weeks which has allowed us to experience each destination as a local. I love to chase unique things to do near me and revisit old favorites for a cool, fresh perspective. I'm also eager to learn from my fellow travelers to see what works for people and what doesn't. Whether you like great sunsets, hidden gems, places of mystery, famous attractions, or underrated experiences, here you'll find all of those recommendations from locals that won me over. Let's explore together! More about us.

 

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